TAVR Tracking Shows Positive Results

IN YOUR DAILY DOSE today you’ll discover that results from a first-of-its-kind collaboration between several separate medical organizations demonstrates that a new procedure approved by the FDA fours years ago, has improved the chances of those at high risk to undergo aortic valve replacement.

IN MAKING CHANGES today you’ll learn six of the lifestyle choices you can make to help prevent the need for heart valve replacement.

IN FACT OR FICTION you’ll discover that although we all experience stress, there are myths that not all of us believe, but will impact your health.

In The News

Four years ago the Food and Drug Administration approved the performance of a Transcutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure. In a first of it’s kind collaboration, the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services required all hospitals to capture clinical information and record it in the The Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry.

Together with the National Institutes of Health and Duke Clinical Research Institute, a collaborative registry was formed to track the effectiveness of the TAVR procedure. According to Dr. David Holmes, from Mayo Clinic,

"The most important takeaway is the fact that the TAVR procedure continues to change since its initial approval by the FDA in 2011. Patients undergoing TAVR remain primarily elderly and high-risk for surgical replacement, but the predicted risk of mortality has declined over the course of time. This is the result of changes in regulatory instructions for use and approval of alternative access points."

The TAVR is performed for the replacement of the aortic valve. This valve is located between the left ventricle, or the powerhouse of the pump, and the aorta. The valve is responsible for containing blood in the left ventricle until it contracts and pushes blood out and around the body.

Making Changes

The lifestyle choices you make affect the performance of your heart and the valves that keep the electrical system pumping blood efficiently. There are some choices you can make that will affect the effectiveness and efficiency of your heart.

1. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Check with your doctor first to ensure your heart is able to exercise daily.

2. Stop smoking. Nicotine and the other chemicals in tobacco artificially raise your blood pressure and place a greater demand on the heart.

3. Drink only in moderation. Alcohol damages the microvessels in your body, including your heart.

4. Be aware that a short illness with fever that appears to linger with fatigue and exhaustion can mean that the bacteria attacked your heart. See your doctor for early diagnosis and treatment.

5. Always have strep throat treated with antibiotics. Although you will get better without antibiotics, the medication will help prevent damage to your heart and kidneys from the bacteria.

6. Eat a heart healthy diet that is low in carbohydrates and higher in fat.

My Daily Affirmation

When a child needs my help, I give it freely.

If they need assistance with their homework, I help them learn the subject matter at hand. I create games that are both educational and fun.

If they are hungry, I invite them to share a meal with my family.

Fact Or Fiction?

Don’t believe everything you hear about stress. There are several myths that most people pass along, but will only hurt your heart, immune system and health overall.

Stress is something we all experience. Some of it is from situations in life we would consider good or happy - such as having a baby or getting married. But whether it’s from positive or negative circumstances, many of us believe some of these myths - none of which are true:

All stress is the same

If a stress reducing strategy works for most people it will work for me too.

Stress is always bad.

Stress is everywhere so there is no use trying to deal with it.

If I’m not having symptoms of stress then I’m not under any stress.

I only have to deal with stress if it is major or causing significant problems.